If a batter removes their helmet while running home after hitting a home run, what is the ruling?

• A. The batter-runner is automatically out
• B. Other runs cannot score
• C. The batter-runner is out, but the other two runs score
• D. There is no penalty for this action

Answer: (C)

When a batter removes their helmet while running the bases, including after hitting a home run, it is considered a violation of the rules. Specifically, the rule states that a player must wear their helmet while running the bases, and doing otherwise results in an automatic out for the batter-runner.

In the scenario where the batter-runner has already hit a home run and then removes their helmet while approaching home plate, the ruling involves both the batter-runner being called out and the continuation of the play. While the act of removing the helmet results in the immediate penalty of the batter-runner being out, it does not negate the runs that have already scored as a consequence of the home run. Therefore, other runners who may have crossed home plate before the infraction would still have their runs counted. This is why the correct answer states that the batter-runner is out, but the other two runs score.